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Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Alona Tester

Have you wondered who is responsible for all of those tweets, Facebook and blog posts from Gould Genealogy.

Thanks to Alona Tester, The voice of Gould Genealogy, for submitting a profile to GeniMates. I have really enjoyed getting to know you.

DateMarch 3, 2011

Hometown Adelaide, South Australia

Are you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist? Hobbyist

What, if any, formal or informal studies have you undertaken that are relevant to genealogical research?

No formal research. I have taken a few of Graham Jaunay's courses, as well as having sat in many talks at events over the years.

How did you get hooked on genealogy?

I grew up with it, literally having been born into a family where my dad (Alan Phillips) was researching our family way, way back. So I've always had an interest, but only relatively recently made the 'ok, I'm gonna do this for myself' decision.

What is your day job?

I have the awesome job of working at Gould Genealogy ... I am the buyer, office manager, customer service helper, website updater, newsletter organiser and the voice of Gould Genealogy on our blog, as well as Facebook and Twitter.

How long have you been chasing ancestors?

About 5 years

What are your areas of Expertise in Genealogy?

No official expertise, but I do have a good knowledge of genealogy products, as well as publishers, websites and keeping up with genealogy news in general. I also can offer suggestions to many who ask "Where can I look next?"

Please outline your involvement in Genealogy Societies and Groups

I am a member of two Societies, the South Australian Genealogy & Heraldry Society, as well as the Cornish Family History Society. Though not an active member, I do maintain these memberships as they both relate to areas where my ancestors were.

What are the lands of your ancestors?

Australia: mostly South Australia
England: for my family largely Cornwall and Devon (well, those that I'm researching now)
Finland
United States: New Jersey, New York

What Family Names are you Researching?

I don't get a lot of time to do my own research, so I don't have a heap of families that I'm chasing ... but those I am are:

My favourite would be my great grandpa Otto Rafael WINTER. He was born in Helsinki, Finland in 1880, and became a seaman so as to avoid to compulsory military service with the Russian Army.

According to family lore, he sailed around the world several times on various ships. I still have a block of 5 years between 1902 and 1907 where I can't track him.

He did eventully jump ship in Queensland, Australia, where he met and married Irene DALEY, and had four children. He became naturalised and went to fight WWI and WWII for the Australian Army.

While I do know a reasonable amount about Otto, it is his missing five years, and also the 18 years in Finland that I know little of, so am still searching.

What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why?

I would have to say Helsinki, Finland, probably because Otto WINTER is the person I have spent the longest time researching a single person, as well as also now having contact with distant family there.

What is your favourite resource for genealogy?

There are many ... but I will narrow it down to three:Ancestry.com - I wouldn't have found my US family without itRootsWeb - I've had numerous successes with contact and suggestions on these mailing listsCyndis List - Love this site!! It's where to look first, when you don't know where to look.

Do you keep your genealogy files on paper?

Yes

Do you keep your genealogy files on a computer?

Yes

What genealogy software do you use to record your family tree?

I use Legacy Family Tree for entering, and The Master Genealogist for printing out charts

Between work, and genealogy it doesn't leave a lot of time for other activities, but I do read a heap of genealogy mags and novels, I like scrapbooking though I haven't done it much, and I do practice karate.

What is your favourite lesiure time activity apart from genealogy?

Karate

What is your favourite (non genealogy) book?

anything by Dean Koontz

What is your personal philosophy in a few words ?

Life really is what you make it

If you have anything else to share please add it below I am fortunate enough to be able to work in an environment surrounded by genealogy (products and people), and for that I am very thankful. I do hope that I am able to help others with my knowledge and advice when they ask.

Some general tips ...
- EVERYONE has an interesting story. Just because you don't think it isn't, doesn't mean others won't find it of interest, so write own your memoirs or even anecdotes.
- Label photographs. Everyone would prefer not to have to guess who-is-who
- When filling in a chart, ALWAYS write it in pencil first. I think everyone learns this one the hard way ... LOL.
- Family history really is a lifetime hobby, so don't think you can do it all in a year or two

For all researchers, you know the journey in family history is super-frustrating and super-exciting ... but always interesting ... and what's more is that it's YOUR family!!

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About Me

I also blog as Geniaus - an ancient Australian ancestor hunter who was formerly a librarian, teacher and IT specialist. Fascinated by Web2.0 applications I spend every spare moment chasing ancestors and connecting with other genealogists.